Don’t you just love cherry blossom season? I mean, even if you’re not into flowers and pink, you still find its blooming beauty and scent captivating.
South Korea is a country blessed with this sort of pretty. After the freezing winter comes the refreshing spring and cherry blossoms fill the surroundings. Festivals and spring events welcome locals and tourists. Altogether, they give us K-drama-like memories and Instagram-worthy photos.
Cherry Blossom in Korea: 2019 Season and Event Forecasts
| South Korean Region | Estimated Blooming Dates |
|---|---|
| Incheon | Mid-April |
| Seoul | Mid-April |
| Jecheon | Early to Mid April |
| Gangwon (Nami Island, Gyeongpo) | Early to Mid April |
| Jeolla | Late March to Early April |
| Daegu | Late March to Early April |
| Busan | Late March |
| Jinhae | Late March |
| Gyeongju | Early April |
| Jeju Island | Late March to Early April |
1. Jeju Island
The cherry blossoms are everywhere on the island when spring blooms in Jeju. The peak of blossoming lasts for 2 to 3 days. You can spot King Cherry Blossom trees here and there. Their flowers carry the biggest cherry blossom petals!
King Cherry Blossom trees are somewhat rare and are even considered endangered species. So, take time to appreciate its beauty if come across one. There should be some in Seogwipo and the Jeju Sports Complex.
2. Gyeongju
Where a hanbok and head to Gyeongju in the spring. Take a photo of yourself for an old postcard-like souvenir. Or, you can watch — or, even take part in — the cherry blossom marathon in the city.
Don’t feel like doing so? Rent a bike instead and stroll around Heungmu Park, Bomun Lake, and Dongbu.
3. Jinhae
Jinhae City is known for the cherry blossom festivals it holds every year. The flower festivals are conceptualized with a touch of history and culture.
The naval base is opened to the public to introduce Admiral Lee Sun-Shin, the commander who lead the victory of the Korean navy against the Japanese during the Joseon Dynasty, to tourists.
There’s also the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival and the Paldo Pungmul Market which you can’t let pass because you’ll be missing art and cultural performances if you do. Head to the Jinhae Jungwon Rotary Intersection via the Jinhae Intercity Bus Terminal to get experience this south coast spring event.
4. Busan
The Oncheon Stream Park transverses in two Busan towns — Dongnae and Yeonje. It’s like the Han River Park in Seoul; it’s a favourite hangout spot among the locals. You can stroll around on foot or on the bike to see the blooming cherry blossoms from late March to early April.
Best cherry blossom viewing spots in Busan:
- Korea Naval Academy
- Jungwon Rotary
- Naesu-myeon Ecological Park
- Gyeonghwa Station
- Jehwangsan Park
5. Daegu
The 10 Ri Cherry Blossom Road, also known as Marriage Road, holds cherry blossom trees in its 4 km length. Enjoy the view and then, feast on local seafood dishes.
Best cherry blossom viewing spots in Daegu:
- Yongyeonsa Temple Cherry Blossom Street
- Jijeo-dong Cherry Blossom Tunnel
- Suseong Lake
- Duryu Park
- Keimyung University – Seongseo Campus
6. Jeolla
For another streak of cherry blossom trees (11 km this time!), visit Seomjin River in the province of Jeolla. Capture some snaps and see your photo backgrounds burst in pinks, greens, blues, whites and yellows.
Cherry blossom concerts in Jeolla invite musicians to perform for its crowd. You wouldn’t want to miss it, especially if your faves are coming!
Best cherry blossom viewing spots in Jeolla:
- Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Road
- Jeonju Junghyesa Temple
- Boseong Daewonsa Temple
- Jeonju Zoo
7. Gangwon – Nami Island
There’s romance in the mountains of Gangwon all year round, especially in the season of blooming flowers. This province is home to the widely successful drama, Winter Sonata.
Wander under the tall cherry blossom trees with your special someone. You can rent bikes, too. There’s also a roller skating rink, a shooting range, a mini theme park, and a few water sports — all able to formulate the perfect spring date.
8. Gangwon – Gyeongpo
The Gyeongpodae Pavilion becomes a host of another annual spring festival in Korea. There are flower exhibitions, cultural performances, and invited guests. All of which happens in front of a province-wide cherry blossom background.
9. Jecheon
In the central region of South Korea lies Chungcheong, the region loved for its dori baengbaeng (Korean style chicken with potatoes), clam shabu shabu, and gulbap. And, located in Chungcheong is Jecheon.
The Cheongpung lakeside is another popular strip for picnic and relaxation for Jecheon’s locals. White and pink cherry blossoms, forsythia, and azalea line the surroundings in the spring.
You also might want to check the local updates for when the yearly spring festival will be held in the area. You’re welcome.
10. Seoul
The city that holds the heart of Korea is a host to a million things including cherry blossom trees and entertainment festivals. Check out this list of best cherry blossom viewing spots in Seoul!
- Han River. Coz, obviously. Get your friends, family, or special someone to come with you to the riverside. Have some chicken and beer delivered to you as you enjoy the pink and white flowers sway against the blue sky backdrop.
- Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. Tourists and city locals can enjoy 1,400 fully bloomed cherry blossom trees, street performances, interesting exhibits, and street foods.
- Seokchon Lake. The surroundings of this lake is an absolute beauty when cherry blossoms bloom. Snap some photos to have as your wallpaper.
- Lotte World. A theme park in the spring is just must-experience for the youth. It just is.
Other best cherry blossom viewing spots in Seoul include:
- Seoul Forest
- Incheon Grand Park Cherry Blossom Festival
- Seoul Grand Park
- Kyunghee University
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Deoksugung Palace
- Changdeokgung Palace
- Unhyeongung Palace
- Changgyeonggung Palace
- Jayu Park in Incheon.
Almost every town, province, and city in South Korea has its fair share of cherry blossom trees. You just need to decide which atmosphere suits your taste best — history, culture, landscape, beaches, urban, rural, chill, busy, food-filled, romance-filled, musical entertainment…
Which Korean cherry blossom spots are you planning to visit in spring 2019? Share your plans with us in the comment section below! We’d love to read from you.
*Featured Image: Photo by Kasper Rasmussen | Unsplash
Related Posts
